Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Job 38: 11
38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
Power That Controls Waves Can Control Rebellion—
Nothing can happen in any part of the universe without the knowledge of Him who is omnipresent. Not a single event of human life is unknown to our Maker. While Satan is constantly devising evil, the Lord our God overrules all, so that it will not harm His obedient, trusting children. The same power that controls the boisterous waves of the ocean can hold in check all the power of rebellion and of crime. God says to one as to the other, “Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.” {3BC 1141.5}
What lessons of humility and faith may we not learn as we trace the dealings of God with His creatures. The Lord can do but little for the children of men, because they are so full of pride and vain glory. They exalt self, magnifying their own strength, learning, and wisdom. It is necessary for God to disappoint their hopes and frustrate their plans, that they may learn to trust in Him alone. All our powers are from God; we can do nothing independent of the strength which He has given us. Where is the man or woman or child that God does not sustain? Where is the desolate place which God does not fill? Where is the want that any but God can supply? ... {3BC 1141.6}
He would have us make Him our protector and our guide in all the duties and affairs of life (The Signs of the Times, July 14, 1881). {3BC 1141.7}
Why do bad things happen? Why does God allow it? He knows all, He is omniscient, He is everywhere, omnipresent, and He is all-powerful and all mighty, omnipotent. Does He not care? Some things He allows to happen to draw us closer to Him. Some things happen because we are self-reliant and self-dependent and detached from God, full of pride and vanity. Job did not curse God and die as his wife suggested. Job knew that all power comes from God and that he could do nothing without God. Job trusted in God alone and not in his own strength or wisdom. God blessed Job double for his trouble.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for being our protector and guide in all the affairs of our life. Thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us, and for keeping Satan at bay, not allowing him to touch us but only so far. We cannot do anything by our own strength, and thank You for granting us Your strength and wisdom needed in this life. Thank you for having a plan for us in our life and helping us to carry out Your plan of salvation. Thank You for keeping us humble and faithful in our walk with You. Please remove any pride or vanity in us that You may continue to sustain us on the path to Your heavenly kingdom. Praise be and glory in Your name, in Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
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